Aquaponics Systems, Part 1: The Anatomy of a System

Aquaponics SystemsDo you know where aquatic animals and vegetables come from? If not, this is your chance to understand the concepts of aquaponics systems. Aquaponics systems are the symbiotic methods of feeding a plant using the waste water of a fish tank. It means that they are using the same water supply to sustain both plant gardens and aquatic animals.Aquaponics systems provide healthier fish and greater plant yields. With these methods, the fish supplies the plants with a sufficient amount of nutrients to grow. Therefore, both fishes and plants take care of each other and that guarantees an ultimate growth. Aquaponics systems are divided into two parts and here they are:Aquaculture This type is also known as aqua farming. This is not just about farming of aquatic organisms such as crustaceans, fishes, mollusks and aquatic plants. It also involves the cultivation of saltwater and freshwater organisms under controlled conditions. The aquaculture component often consists of a tank filled with water were the fishes are keep.Hydroponics It is a process of growing plants without the use of soil. Instead, people prefer to use mineral nutrient solutions. Just like soils, these solutions provide these nutrients and minerals to the plants. The hydroponic system involves six fundamental types and these are the following:Wick System – Another term for this type is the passive system. This is considered as the easiest types of hydroponic system. This type doesn’t include any movement of parts.
Water Culture System – The system utilizes a floating raft that is made of floats and Styrofoam with holes for the pots. These allow the plants to sit firmly and enable the roots to absorb water.
EBB and Flow – It is known for its reliability and simplicity of operation. It also includes initial investment cost. In this system, the pots are filled with an inert medium which anchors the roots as a solvent mineral nutrients and temporary reserve of water.
Drip System – It is also known as trickle system. This system was managed by a timer in a submersed pump.
Nutrient Film Technique – This can be used on either commercial or backyard system. In this system, plats are placed in the pots and small have a small amount of water drips from the base.
Aeroponic System – This is the modern type of hydroponic system. In this system, the timer controls the nutrient pump.Aquaponics systems provide multiple benefits. Compared to other methods, these systems use a fraction of the water than a traditional garden or farm uses. These systems also don’t need for fertilizer. Therefore, you don’t have to worry about your expenses. You can save not just time and effort, but huge money as well.In addition, aquaponics systems don’t require soil and provide a well-rounded diet. Other benefits of these systems include drought proof, higher crop yield per plant area, no waste produced, no harmful chemicals needed and provides food security.With various benefits of aquaponics systems, you are probably tempted to build one. Using your knowledge about this topic, it is easy for you to have these systems. So, start producing aquatic animals and plants and see how much you can yield about of these methods now!